Volvo V60: Cross Country and T5
How it looks when you see on the street: Fresh, clean and svelte. The V60 is a classic wagon and exactly what we recommend to someone who doesn’t want to blend in, but also expresses a sophisticated sense of style. It’s nice to be in a ride that stands out from the pack of SUVs on the block. Even in a wagon form, there’s a still sense of aerodynamic motion that gives V60 its spunk, especially in the Polestar performance minded model that is underpinned hybrid tech — more on that below. We first reviewed Volvo V60 Cross Country back in the 2022 model year, and in 2024, the V60 holds up to its rep for greatness in both the Cross Country and the T8 E-AWD Polestar, which we’ve piloted this year. The 2024 model year comes down to new glossy paint job — vapor gray metallic and a standard air purifier and power lift gate.
How it makes you feel when you get in: Volvo has perfected the self-assured interior. The clean, confidence and airy light spills in from the panoramic roof. It’s very comfortable for driver and passengers alike. The option Bowers & Wilkins system was a sweet editon. The Google-based operating system is standard and frames the UX experience and orientation across both variants.
How it drives: Smooth sailing. There’s a plenty of power in both engine variants of the V60, but the Cross Country caters to the grocery getting crowd, and has a higher suspension. The Cross Country earns 24 mpg city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The other option is a plug-in hybrid developed by Polestar and eschews a far more performance and tech persona through manually adjusted suspension. The Polestar Engineered version produces 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, and earns a combined fuel economy of 74 MPG. In hybrid mode it’s about 41 miles per gallon.
Space for people and things: The beauty of a station wagon is that you get a car with the room for all the groceries, and more. Worth noting, Volvo also makes a bigger wagon called the V90.
Best Features: Volvo’s 12.3 inch digitized approach to touchscreen and wifi connectivity isn’t for everything, but it’s intuitive and easy to use.
What makes it stand out: It’s one of the most interesting cars available, and earns so many compliments for its cool physique. If you’re not into blending in, one worth considering.
What should you compare it to: Audi A4 Allroad Wagon and Subaru Outback.
How much does it cost: Our latest 2024 V60 Cross Country model was priced $62,075, which included the edition of a trailer hitch, climate package and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The V60 Polestar Engineered model starts at $71,000.